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We met good friends in Seattle’s Belltown district for a casual brunch on Saturday. It was probably one of the windiest days I have ever experienced here in Seattle. My hair spiked up in all directions, my dress stuck to me like papier-mâché, and my trench coat kept blowing open – all of which made picture taking quite interesting.

I like to wear a comfy frock with flat or low heeled boots on casual days because it’s a fast and easy fall back option. On goes the frock with hose, throw on a necklace, add a pair of boots, choose a pair of specs, grab a coat and bag and Bob’s your Uncle. I’m out the door in two secs.

I’m wearing one of the long sleeved dresses I recommended recently. It’s a Karen Kane cowl neck dress made of rayon jersey knit that drapes like a dream. It’s a super length and as soft as my sweats. I like to scrunch up the sleeves for an even more relaxed look. The cowl neck works best with a short necklace which is why I chose a short strand of chunky pearls. With the blustery wind I struggled to keep the dress from looking obscenely glued to my body sans the trench so I’m afraid that this is the best picture Greg could take.

My black double breasted military trench coat, a wardrobe work horse, is cozier than it looks because it’s quilted on the inside. It’s also water resistant, fairly crease-proof, and repels dirt, dust and hair – perfectly practical for walking around Seattle.

I wore my embroidered brown boots to break up the black from head to toe thing. I bought the boots at a boutique in Amsterdam while visiting my Dad five years ago. They aren’t on trend, but to me they are still in style because of their arty, somewhat bohemian edge. Plus they are unique, well made, really comfy and fun to wear. I don’t see myself ever giving them up, but do wear them with different items each season. I’m going to give them a go with my harem pants and long tweed shorts as soon as it warms up.

I layered my hose, nude underneath and zig zag pattern on top, and went with a matchy-matchy red handbag. Lunch was delicious and the company divine. When we came back home, the trench, bag, specs and boots came off and the slippers went back on. I made a cup a tea, snuggled with my pups and continued watching live coverage of New York Fashion Week online.

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Wow that’s a big difference between seeing these dresses on the hanger and then on a person. I really like this dress now. It looks so cozy comfy! And those boots, so fun! I really like that you matched the boots with a red bag, it makes them stand out more, but not overwhelm the outfit because of the black coat. Kudos to Greg and you for snagging some pictures in windy weather, that’s not easy to do!

I really like your blog . Good blogs like this make glossy magazines obsolete for me. Real advice & inspiration rather than just advertising. Lots of regular articles & masses of interesting archive info too. I don’t always love everything you show us ie I’m not keen on pearls , prefer more ‘ edgy’ jewelry but you don’t preach to us & there is something for everyone. You’re even a fellow dog lover. Thanks a lot.

I have that dress, too. Haven’t worn it yet because it’s been blustery here and I’m wondering what to wear UNDER the dress to ward off static cling and keep things decent in case the wind gets the better of me. Do you wear a slip?

Angie, I remember these boots from almost 5 years ago and it’s lovely to see you post wearing them. I love your contrast of class lines with these boots. It works so well and something I would never have thought of. You’re brilliant!

So fun, stylish and pretty, as always. Yes to the dress! How does Karen Kane get the drape of dresses SO right? And why is that so uncommon? Love seeing this on you. We’ve had a few days here in Seattle where I thought I was going to blow away!

Fabulous outfit and the boots just *make* it. Some things are so unique as to be timeless, and those are among them! You are picture perfect. :o)

Speaking of Karen Kane – I sent away for this dress and received it last week. It’s wonderful! As Angie says – as comfy as a pair of sweats – and the drape skims the figure in a flattering way. This will be a great canvas for creating different looks. I’ve become quite a fan of the Karen Kane brand!

What strikes me about this ensemble is how you can take a piece which is not true to your fashion persona but really make it your own when mixed with other pieces from your wardrobe. These boots look utterly divine because they contrast so well with your urban pieces. Lesson learned!

Your trench is amazing! It’s a beautiful example of perfect fit.
Everything about this outfit is interesting and fun. What a great way to stay warm and look good in the wind.
I hope Karen Kane brings the hemlines down on some of her dresses.

Firstly, who can look at these pictures, and not smile? Those boots alone are such a happy sight:-) When you first posted a pic of them a while back, I immediately knew they were Dutch. I can’t explain it, there’s just something about them.
I also love it that your hair looks ever so slightly wind-blown (such a comfort for someone whose hair does that a lot;-)
The dress looks marvelous and comfy, very fab paired with those hose and other accessories. And I so love that trench coat, but you already knew that. Lovely to read more about your fun weekend, thanks for sharing, Angie!

This sounds like a fabulous outfit, Angie! Chunky pearls with a coulneck is one of my favourite fall/winter combos, and we all know how I covet dresses with quality drape! Thanks for showing us all how easy frock-based dressing can be!

Yes, I also would not have associated those boots with your style, but you have the amazing ability to rock anything! I like how the top red outline of the boots mimic the rick rack design in your hoisery. Luv the playfulness that the boots add to this outfit.

I love the unique boots! I suppose the coat kept your dress from flying up (other than your attempts to photograph) … a benefit of a dress-length coat. Otherwise, dresses in the wind would be tough to wear.

Oh goodness Seattleites Sinead, Antje, Sihaya, Meredith and Kari! The wind over the weekend was quite the force of nature.

Anne, I have *never* worn a slip. I guess that answers your question. I also haven’t had a problem with static cling. Perhaps the wind got rid of that problem. Wearing the trench coat over the dress kept it decent.

That is one sassy look. The Boho-esque boots, though not my personal taste, are fab, and this outfit is a real head-turner. It’s just an interesting and intriguing outfit on many
levels. As always, it’s obviously well thought out and brilliantly executed. Classic Angie.

Angie, I love this outfit and might have to go looking for that dress now. I also love the whimsical boots.

I do have to ask: how do you wear a black dress like that and sit with your dogs? I never wear my clothes in the house because I feel like they will be covered in pet hair and I will never manage to get it all off. I am absolutely sure that you don’t walk out of the house with hair on your clothing, so can you share your secret?

Steph, your question made me chuckle even though its a very valid one. We have zero dog hair in the house because Yorkshire Terriers are hypoallergenic. That means that they don’t shed, which is just as well since Greg is allergic. So there’s my secret!